SCHOOLS and youth organisations across Worcestershire are being offered a timely opportunity to access free training on drugs and alcohol, enabling them to better support young people they work with.
The training, funded by Worcestershire County Council and the West Mercia Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, aims to reduce the risk of young people becoming involved in drugs, alcohol and criminality, including criminal child exploitation by county lines drugs’ gangs.
Evidence-based, effective drug education is a proven, protective factor in enabling young people to thrive and fulfil their potential.
The training will be delivered by Hope UK, a national drug education charity with many decades of experience in prevention work.
The programme’s aims and outcomes are based on responses from Worcestershire schools and youth services and are focused on local needs.
The training includes general information about drugs, signs of drug use, how to have open conversations with young people about alcohol and drug use, effective drug prevention interventions and where to get help.
On completion of the first in-person session, participants will gain access to online resources offering a wealth of follow-up content, plus a dedicated website area with access to activities, lesson plans, e-learning units and other resources.
The training is targeted at all schools (middle, secondary and high), FE colleges, special and alternative provision schools, and youth services. Any staff within these organisations who would benefit from the training are eligible to attend.
Feedback from teachers who have attended courses has been extremely positive. One school teacher said: “Teaching is a ‘full on’ daily grind and this was a superb two hours of my day.”
A youth worker added: “The trainer was very knowledgeable and made the training and information interesting. Not like previous courses which were mind numbing.”
Contact [email protected] or call 020 7928 0848 for more information.. Alternatively visit https://hopeuk.org/wcc to book online.
There are a limited number of courses and these must be delivered between May 2024 and March 2025.
